A COLONY of rare bats could complicate £360,000 plans to reinforce an historic Wharfedale bridge.

Councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley and Wharfedale) has written to Leeds highways' chief engineer about the bats roosting and breeding underneath Pool Bridge, which is due to be closed for strengthening work.

He said: "I am very concerned that the bats are not unduly disturbed by the proposed work on the bridge.

"They have used Pool Bridge since it was built more than 250 years ago and their well-being should be a concern for everyone.

"The bats don't just hang underneath the bridge, they get into the cracks and actually live in it. If you get a bright spark coming along doing the pointing, you'll suddenly find that you have no longer have any bats.

"This must not happen. Leeds Highways must do something to redress the balance."

Coun Kirkland has written to the city council seeking assurances that the bats, which are a protected species, will not be harmed.

As previously reported, Leeds City Council hopes to erect a temporary Bailey Bridge at the side of the current one while work is carried out on the existing bridge, which is on the main artery into Wharfedale from Harrogate.

Last week, Pool parish councillors raised concerns about 40-tonne juggernauts roaring through the village if the bridge, which is grade II listed, was strengthened. Leeds City Council submitted its planning application a fortnight ago.

Councillor Elizabeth Minkin (Lab, Kirkstall), executive member for highways and executive issues, said that the work would not harm the bats.

"Councillor Kirkland knows perfectly well that we would not undertake a project which would in any way endanger a protected species," she said.